Cowdenbeath 0 - 0 Aberdeen

On play in the match at Cowdenbeath, there was only one side in it. Except for an occasional breakaway, the Aberdeen forwards were well held by a fine middle line which always had their measure, and in which Glancey was the outstanding player in the game. But with all their pressure, in which the home forwards had often the support of the men behind, Cowdenbeath could not find an opening. The northern defence were kept on the move, and though mostly playing desperately, they had the ability to cover each other's mistakes well enough to keep Blackwell from being too severely tested. The visiting defence took all the credit for saving a point, as their attack was never combined. In the opening minutes Wright all but counted, and half way through the first half that player had hard lines in hitting the post after a good run from midfield. Pullar and Leonard had also good tries, while the only shot from Aberdeen was a hard drive by McDermid. It was only in the last fifteen minutes that Aberdeen made much of a show, Reid doing some clever things yet having little support, and there was always the likelihood of the visitors snatching a win which on play was not deserved. About 5000 spectators were present.

Source: The Scotsman, 16th August 1926

Had the Aberdeen team played earlier as it did in the closing stages, they would not have had to rest content with a goalless draw in their opening league match with Cowdenbeath at the Fifeshire venue. The result, however, is satisfactory, and perhaps did the Pittodrie players a little more than justice, as Cowdenbeath, especially in the first period, repeatedly attacked, and several times came within an ace of scoring. All the same, Aberdeen were the only team to have the ball in the net, and it is a moot point whether or not the referee erred in disallowing a goal, which would have given Aberdeen victory - a victory which, on the run of the game, would scarcely have been merited. With the breeze in their favour in the first half, Aberdeen never really settled down, and for the most part the period provided a thrilling duel between a nippy and dashing Cowdenbeath attack and a dour Aberdeen defence. Cowdenbeath continued to hold the upper hand in the first half-hour of the closing period, but in the last 15 minutes, during which the net-finding incident occurred, they were the more aggressive team, and finished much stronger than the home side; in fact, Aberdeen gave the impression that had the game lasted longer, they would have won.

Outstanding Players.

It was a hard, resolute struggle throughout, and the honours of the game go to the Aberdeen defence, especially Blackwell and Edward, but the others, less conspicuous, played their part well. As a defensive combination the Aberdeen rear divisions excelled, but cooperation with the forwards was not developed to the extent it might have been. In consequence of this, the Aberdeen attacks were fitful and not well sustained, although the play of the team in the latter stages revealed a big improvement in this respect. Miller, and Lawson were the most effective Aberdeen forwards, but they experienced long periods of inactivity because of the absence of constructive tactics in rear. Cowdenbeath were splendidly served by Wright at centre-forward and Rankine and Pullar on the right, these three being the most dangerous combination on the field. Glancy was brilliant at half-back, and Murray showed wonderful judgment at back.

Blackwell's Many Saves.

Aberdeen were immediately thrown on the defensive, Wright bursting through and, shooting against the outside of the net, but in retaliation McDermid dropped the ball behind the home goal. Cowdenbeath returned to the attack and Blackwell had to fist clear from Glancy and corners conceded in quick succession by the Aberdeen backs were cleared with difficulty The Aberdeen defence found temporary relief through the medium of a free kick by Cosgrove, following which R. Bruce was wide with a shot. The exchanges generally, however, favoured Cowdenbeath, and Wright and Leonard came dangerously near with headers. The Aberdeen attack again came into the limelight, McDermid circumventing Forrest and Murray to finish with a brilliant shot which Falconer did well to deflect over the bar. Aberdeen were very dangerous at this time and forced three corners before Cosgrove ultimately rushed the ball behind. Cowdenbeath's eclipse was only temporary and their attack coming again Pullar caused Blackwell to save at full length, Hutton completing the clearance. A corner forced by Reid brought no advantage to Aberdeen, and at the other end Blackwell saved finely after Rankine had shot against the bar. A fierce drive by Glancy was deflected over the top by Blackwell, and shortly afterwards Cowdenbeath were unfortunate when Wright broke through and shot against the upright. At this stage Cowdenbeath were overdue success, but Aberdeen were putting up a stubborn defence. During a lull in the home team's pressure Miller broke away and crossed from the left, but no colleague was at hand. At the other end Blackwell was again the in the limelight when he fielded a fast, angular shot from Wright. Near the interval the Aberdeen attack became busier, and the home goalkeeper had to throw himself at full length to stop a characteristic shot from Miller. Aberdeen had their defence to thank for the game being goalless at the interval.

Miller's Disallowed Goal.

Play in the early stages of the second half was scrappy, but improved as the teams settled down. As in the first period, Cowdenbeath were first to be dangerous. After clever combination by the inside forwards, Wright skied from close range, but shortly afterwards Leonard was only inches high with a fierce drive. Aberdeen had a chance when R. Bruce broke through, but he shot against Murray, and although Reid fastened on to the rebound and shot straight, Falconer brought off a spectacular save. Subsequently Cowdenbeath set up a steady pressure on the Aberdeen goal. Edward headed out when a ball from Rankine was going home, and after Blackwell had saved at close range from Wright, the Aberdeen goalkeeper shot out a foot to repel what must have been a counting effort. Blackwell continued to be kept busy, and it reflected the keenness the struggle that Leonard, Edward, and Cosgrove all required trainers' attention almost simultaneously. Blackwell saved cleverly from Leonard, and, following this, he was given some respite. Miller led Aberdeen to the other end, and Murray twice took his team out of difficulties. Reid, when well placed, shot wide, and on a later occasion Cowdenbeath were fortunate when the Aberdeen right winger was penalised in front of goal after Falconer had gone out to meet him. A breakaway by Wright was negatived by Blackwell holding his centre. Ten minutes from the close the incident of the disallowed goal occurred. R. Bruce, practically on the by-line, cleverly hooked the ball in front of goal, where Miller neatly placed it in the net. The referee at first appeared to "offside,' but later signalled a by-kick, apparently being of the opinion that the ball had gone out of play before Bruce caught it. Undaunted, Aberdeen continued to attack, and Falconer in quick succession cleared a header from Miller and met a dangerous centre from Reid. The game had an exciting finish. McDermid, after a characteristic burst, just missed with a fine cross shot, and at the other end Blackwell, who had been unsighted at a free kick taken by Forrest, did well to hold the ball as it was passing into the pet over his shoulder. It was a dour struggle the end.

Source: Press & Journal, 16th August 1926